Lay members
The RSPCA sees the involvement of lay perspectives as essential to the integrity of a successful ethical review process and is committed to supporting and developing the role of lay members.
While the involvement of 'lay' members is common practice in [human] medical ethics committees, they are only 'recommended' as participants within local ethical review processes (ERP) for animal research in the UK.
The term 'lay' is used to cover people with a diversity of backgrounds outside of the specific science being reviewed. Ideally, individuals are drawn from outside the particular science faculty or establishment. This could include people with expertise in ethics, philosophy, law, animal welfare or the social sciences, as well as members of the local community. Whatever their expertise, the role of the lay member is to bring a different set of perspectives to discussions about animal use.
Resource book
The Society's research animals department has developed a resource book to assist lay members with their work within the ERP. This has proved useful for other categories of ERP member as well. The current edition (the second) is a completely revised and updated version, published in 2009:
UK meetings
The research animals department organises regular meetings for lay members which provide a forum for them to come together and share experiences.
International workshops
RSPCA International together with the research animals department, also organises workshops to facilitate the formation and operation of ethics committees overseas. A sample workshop manual prepared for a course in Poland provides further information on issues such as assessing harms and benefits, the 3Rs, housing and care, and the sort of questions ERP members can ask. Read the manual:
Other resources
A booklet explaining the technology, terms and welfare implications relating to the creation and use of genetically manipulated animals is available. This guide is intended to help members of ethical review committees understand the processes involved in studies using GM animals and the implications for animal welfare.
The research animals department has also developed short good practice guidelines for the housing and care of commonly held laboratory species.
More information
If you would like to register on our mailing list or have any questions regarding the ERP please email us at: erp-laymembers@rspca.org.uk
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